CHOOSING SUCCESSOR TO MR. McKELL

Chronicle (Levin), 4 February 1947, Page 5

CHOOSING SUCCESSOR TO MR. McKELL

SELECTION THROUGH A SERIES OF BALLOTS Received Monday, 7 p.m. SYDNEY, Feb. 3. The Governonr-Generai designate, Mr. JIcKell, has tendered his resignation as Premier, and that of his Ministrv, to the Governor of New South V\ aies, Lieutenant Northcott, today. At the request of thc Governor, Mr. .UcJvell will continue in olfice untiJ his suceessor as Premier is selected at a meeting of the State Parliamentary Labour caucus on Wednesday. The election will be by a process of eliinination through a series of bajlots and State Iaibour men believe the position will go to either the Minister of Education, Mr. Hcffron, or the Minisiter of Housing, Mr. McGirr. Meauwhile Mr. McKell will perform only routine duties. He was at his ofKce at tlie usual time this mornirig dfter driving from liis Redfern home to Ihe cheers of 'neighbours. He began writing replies to hundreds of letters, telegrams and cables congratulating liim on the appointment. Among thp many cables from the United States was one 'from Gene Tunney who is a close friend. Mr. McKell 's appointment lies at the door of the Chifley Governuient in collusion with Mr. McKell and is purely political, said the leader of the State Opposition, Mr. Treatt, today. Any attempt to stifle criticism by placing responsibility elsewhere is iughly improper and inimical to our iuterests as niembers of the British Commonwealth of Nations.